The Early Music Fiddler

Here is a collection which spans four centuries and more than five countries – some vibrant threads from the rich tapestry of early music.We don’t necessarily think of the violin as an early music instrument but in fact it evolved soon after 1500, during the early years of the musical renaissance, in a form more or less as we know it today. Most of the music in this anthology has some connection with stringed instruments, either the violin itself or one of its forerunners such as the rebec, medieval fiddle or viol. Significantly, all the pieces seem totally at home on the violin / and of course the player’s own vitality and enthusiasm are far more important than historical accuracy.